While Dhoni was cautious, Yuvraj, back in the team after missing the last two matches in the home series against Sri Lanka due to a finger injury, was initially scratchy.

The Chandigarh-born left-hander, however, gradually gained fluency and progressed to his 43rd one-day half-century from 60 balls by hitting Thilina Kandamby (0-22) for consecutive sixes.

India suffered another setback when medium pacer Perera struck in his first over when Dhoni edged behind for 37 off 70 deliveries.

Recalled

Suresh Raina edged Suranga Lakmal (0-48) to Sangakkara and was ruled out by umpire Simon Taufel, but was recalled after the third umpire confirmed the ball had bounced before the wicketkeeper had caught it.

That partnership was eventually broken when Yuvraj fell for 74, attempting to pull Perera (2-27), but instead found Lakmal in the deep.

Raina added 65 for the sixth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja (39) before Welegedera returned to send back Raina (35) and Zaheer Khan in the batting power play to finish with one-day best figures of 5-66.